The Last Drive Tour with Noelle Granger.

January 24, 2023January 23, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today Noelle Granger is helping to spread the word about The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

Noelle has published four books. The very popular The Last Pilgrim and three in the Rea Brewster Mystery series. She has also published short stories and essays, and blogs on WordPress at Sayling Away.

You can see all Noelle’s books on her Amazon page.

Here is more information about Noelle in her own words.

“I started writing as a way of letting my children know where I came from and what shaped me. I grew up in a small coastal Massachusetts town, where the Pilgrims just happened to have landed some 340 years earlier. My family and I lived in a 100-year-old house that was three stories high, square and unyielding even to hurricane-force winds, and its many windows reflected the sky and ocean. At night, you fell asleep to the sound of waves or the lonely fog horn on Gurnet lighthouse. My seasons were spent on or in the water, so sailing and swimming are themes in some of what I write, with New England overtones. For the last thirty years, I have lived in North Carolina, a place I’ve come to love, and that New England accent has acquired a Southern lilt.

I had a long and active career in academia, and if you want to know more about that, you can Google me. For now, I am just a writer trying to find her voice.

Thank you, Noelle, for helping to spread the word on The Last Drive.

I have closed comments so you can save your words to be shared with Noelle.

The Last Drive with Darlene Foster

January 22, 2023January 22, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 4 Comments

I’m delighted to be at Darlene’s place today. She is letting me visit to talk about The Last Drive. You can visit Darlene and me right HERE.

Darlene has written ten books books. Nine of them feature her character Amanda in various travel destinations. The books are very popular and as a result Darlene has been invited to speak at libraries and other venues. You can read more about the books and Amanda’ travels on Darlene’s Amazon page.

A little more about Darlene in her own words

A bit about me. I am a writer of children’s stories, a retired employment counsellor, and ESL tutor, a wife, mother and grandmother. I love travelling, reading, shoes, cooking, sewing, music, chocolate, walking on the beach and making new friends. My grandson once called me “super-mega-woman-supreme”. I was brought up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, where I dreamt of travelling the world and meeting interesting people. I currently divide my time between Orihuela Costa in Spain and the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. My husband, Paul, and I enjoy spending time with our adorable rescue dogs, Dot and Lia.

Thank you, Darlene for helping spread the word on The Last Drive.

I hace closed the comments so that you only have to make genius comments in one place – Darlene’s.

Views of the Neighborhood – GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT – Part II

January 22, 2023January 21, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Well, we are back to finish the scavenger hunt. If you missed part I, you can go HERE and check it out. We will be doing the even numbers today. We are catered by Nixta of Austin. Our entertainment is Chicago.

Picture of an old time school bus

So jump on, and let’s go.

So, right away, we have a problem. This should be number two, but it looks like someone took it. So, after we complete the puzzle, we will have to figure out which letter goes with the number 2.

Ah. At least we have number 4.

Number six, taking a nap.

Number 8 overlooks the drought-ravished Lake Travis.

A certain number, 10.

Number 12 in the mountain laurel.

High flying number 14.

Number 16 on the ground.

Looks like a ground pandemic. Number 18 is there as well.

Number 20 in the trees.

Number 22 has been benched.

Number 24 on a spindly oak.

Numer 26 marks the end of the hunt.

The missing letter was U. The puzzle is solved. I hope you had a good time. Now relax, have some food and listen to the music.

Saturday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Check the Plants

January 21, 2023January 20, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 132 Comments

“Little One. Did you see this Fig tree?”

“Yeah. It’s getting some new leaves.”

“Well, that’s not good. There’s more cold coming.”

“Don’t you think the fig knows what it’s doing?”

“I’m not so sure. These crazy winters have most plants confused.”

“These begonias seem to be doing sorta okay.”

“Yeah, for now. Wait till a freeze hits.”

“These roses are getting new leaves too.”

“I sure hope they aren’t sorry. I’m going over to the patio.”

“What’s over there?”

“There were a bunch of flowers in pots. I want to make sure they aren’t budding as well.”

“If they are, what are you going to do?”

“Well, they’re not, so your question doesn’t need an answer.”

“Lucky for you, ’cause I don’t think you had an answer.”

“You may be right. How about we play in the yard.”

“I see a bud here, Lucy. What are we going to do?”

“You know everyone dislikes a wise guy.”

“Good thing I’m a girl, then.”

“How about a game of hide and seek?”

“Great, you’re it.”

“One one thousand, two one thousand….”

“No peeking.”

The Last Drive Tour with Teri Polen

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Teri Polen is helping spread the word about The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

As most of you know, Teri is the host of Bad Moon Rising a blogging event held in October. Teri has four books published by Black Rose Writing. She is also one of thirteen authors in a short story anthology. You can get more information about her books at her Author Page on Amazon.

A little more about Teri in her words.

Several years back, a friend told me I should read the Harry Potter series – I think the third one was out by then. I laughed, saying they were for kids, but she convinced me to give them a try, and for that, I’ll always be thankful. Reading YA opened up a whole new world for me, and I haven’t looked back.

Some of my favorite things in life are books (no romance), music (preferably alt/rock and absolutely no country), movies (rarely chick flicks), red wine (no merlot), and dark chocolate (please don’t add any fruit to what is already perfection). On the flip side of that, I strongly dislike the color pink and loathe shopping – unless it’s in a bookstore or someplace I can buy movies, music, wine, or chocolate. That being said, it’s pretty evident why my female friends think I’m a little strange.

Thank you, Teri, for helping spread the word.

I have closed comments to keep your comments on Teri’s post as original as possible.

The Last Drive Tour with Gwen Plano

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

I am excited to talk about The Last Drive with Gwen Plano today. You can visit Gwen’s Post HERE.

I have known Gwen since we were paired to do interviews and inspirational discussions on Blog Talk Radio. During our association, Gwen and I decide to take a crack at writing an action thriller. We wrote one, and then Gwen went on to write two more. These books became known as The Contract Series. Before The Contract Series, Gwen wrote her award-winning memoir, Letting Go Into Perfect Love. You can read more about her books on Gwen’s Amazon page.

Here is also some interesting information from Gwen’s bio in her words.

As for my professional background, I am a retired educator. I taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. My academic background is a bit unusual, but it has served me well. I graduated with honors in nutrition from San Diego State University. I was awarded a master’s degree in theology from the University of the State of New York’s Maryknoll Seminary and then received a master’s in counseling from Iona College. Finally, I earned a doctorate in higher education from Columbia University.

Thank you for supporting the launch of The Last Drive, Gwen.

The comments are closed so you can deliver truth and light on Gwen’s post without having to remember what you wrote on mine.

The Last Drive Tour with Staci Troilo

January 18, 2023January 17, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

Today I’m with Staci Troilo, who has graciously given me the opportunity to talk about my latest book, The Last Drive. You can visit her post HERE.

I have known Staci to be an excellent blogger and author. She is also a member of Story Empire, and that association gave me insight into Staci’s big-heartedness and sense of humor, as well as her desire to help her fellow authors. I understand she calls on her Italian heritage to produce killer recipes.

Here is her bio in her own words.

I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, writing stories and poetry in my free time, so no one was surprised when I became a writing major in college. After receiving creative and professional writing degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, I went on to get my Master’s Degree in Professional Writing, and I worked in corporate communications until I had my children. Now I’m a freelance writer and editor and spend many of my days happily immersed in fictional worlds.

Staci is also a prolific novelist who has 23 titles to her credit. You can see them all on her Amazon Page

Thank you, Staci, for having me today.

I have closed the comments so that all your words will be conserved for Staci’s post.

The Last Drive Tour with Jan Sikes

January 17, 2023January 16, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

I am pleased to be hosted by Jan Sikes today on The Last Drive tour. You can visit Jan’s post HERE.

Jan and I have been colleagues and friends since we published our debut Novel. I first met Jan in an author’s club and was taken by her passion for writing. Now that she has seventeen titles, she has never lost that passion. You can go to her Amazon page and see all her books.

Here is Jan’s bio in her words

I’ve been an avid reader all my life. I still remember the excitement that surged through me the first time I realized I could decipher words. There’s nothing I love more than losing myself in a story.

Oddly enough, I never had any ambition to be a writer. But I wound up in mid-life with a story that begged to be told. Not just any story, but a true story that rivaled any fiction creation. Through fictitious characters, the tale came to life in an intricately woven tale that encompasses four books. Not satisfied to stop with the books, I released music CDs of original music to match the time period of each story segment. In conclusion, to bring the story full circle, I published a book of poetry and art. I was done.

Wrong!

The story ideas keep coming, and I don’t intend to turn off the creative fountain.

I love all things metaphysical and often include those aspects in my stories.

I am a member of the Author’s Marketing Guild, The Writer’s League of Texas, Story Empire, and the Paranormal Writer’s Guild. I am an avid fan of Texas music and grandmother of five beautiful souls. I reside in North Texas.

Thank you, Jan, for helping spread the word about The Last Drive.

I have closed the comments so that all your fine words can be spent on Jan’s post.

Top Ten Things Not to Do On Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday

January 16, 2023January 15, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

It has been 95 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is focused on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor, and learn from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Views of the Neighborhood – GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT – Part I

January 15, 2023January 21, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

Today we are going on a scavenger hunt sponsored by Lakeway Parks and Recreation. It is titled the GOOD “TIME” SCAVENGER HUNT, and here is a description by the city. Happy New Year, Lakeway! It’s a “good time” to celebrate the start of 2023 with Parks & Recreation! As you walk the lower level of Lakeway City Park, you will find 26 clocks along the trail. Each clock has a letter and number that corresponds to the hidden answer key. Solve the secret message and win a prize!

We are being catered by Canje Caribbean of Austin. Our entertainment is Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing.

Striped Bass

Tamarind, Rum Butter, Green Mango, Papaya

Acorn Squash

Coconut Choka, Passion Fruit, Black Beans

Curry Wagyu Beef

Rutabaga, Coconut Milk, Chili Oil

Wild Boar Pepper Pot

Cassareep, Orange Peel, Ginger

Grilled Pork Guisado

Berkshire Pork Chop, Tomato, Tomato

Jerk Chicken

½ Heritage Chicken, Ginger Pineapple Glaze

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s get rolling. We only have time for half of the alphabet when we get there. We will be hunting the clocks in order, starting with the odd numbers (yes, we are making it difficult), and then we will fill out the key at the end of today. After next week we should have the puzzle solved.